University Experience Helps Elyse Whittemore Shape Career Path in Supply Chain Management
It was opportunities like Coyote Business Consulting and the Global Immersion Program that brought Whittemore to South Dakota’s flagship institution from her home in Massachusetts.
“The Beacom School of Business stood out because of the opportunities it offered outside the classroom,” said Whittemore, who earned her BBA from USD in 2024. “They do a great job of providing students with connections in the business world.”
Through these experiences as well as an internship with Manitou Group Americas in Yankton, Whittemore found an interest in supply chain management.
“I knew that I wanted to study business because I had worked at a small business in high school, but I didn’t even know supply chain management was a field. It wasn’t until I took a production operations management course that I realized how connected it was to my previous work experience,” said Whittemore. “After taking a few more courses and completing an internship at Manitou in Yankton, I knew it was the right path for me.”
Whittemore decided to expand her knowledge in this field by pursuing an MBA with a specialization in operations and supply chain management at USD. Now, as she prepares for life after USD, Whittemore is workforce ready – confident in the skills she has gained at the Beacom School of Business.
Industry Experience
One of the ways the Beacom School of Business prepares students for the workforce is through its program, Coyote Business Consulting, which pairs student teams with a South Dakota business to solve a critical problem for the organization.
Through Coyote Business Consulting, Whittemore has worked with businesses across South Dakota, gaining real-world experience while exploring different industries. From helping nonprofits streamline operations to developing a supply chain dashboard for manufacturers, Whittemore’s experiences have honed her technical skills in the industry while also helping her develop strengths in communication, leadership and problem-solving.
“Coyote Business Consulting has been incredibly helpful in shaping my career path,” said Whittemore. “Before Coyote Business Consulting, I had no idea what industry I wanted to work in. After working on projects across multiple industries, I’ve been able to identify what excites me and what doesn’t.”
Whittemore has been a part of Coyote Business Consulting since the spring of her sophomore year in 2022, completing projects for six of the state’s businesses.
She has worked with Mitchell Float Spa, Watertown United Way, Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, South Dakota CEO East Women’s Business Center, and Dakota State Applied Research Corporation.
This semester, Whittemore and her team of fellow students are helping South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions develop an interactive supply chain dashboard that will allow businesses to see where they can source materials within South Dakota.
In addition to gaining valuable hands-on experience, Whittemore said she has learned more about state and region.
“As an out-of-state student, I’ve learned about the variety of businesses in South Dakota,” said Whittemore. “There are so many small- and mid-sized companies that are doing great work that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.”
Transformative Opportunities
In addition to participating in the Coyote Business Consulting program, Whittemore has taken every opportunity to build connections, mentor others and develop as a leader.
Whittemore has traveled across the globe with the Beacom School of Business through its Global Immersion Program, engaging in transformative learning experiences and gaining a practical understanding of global business concepts.
Through the faculty-led Global Immersion Program, Whittemore has been to Denmark, Finland and Costa Rica. This year, she will travel to Japan and South Korea.
“We get to meet with top-level executives and learn about their companies,” said Whittemore. “We get to tour the city, learn about different cultures and connect with our peers.”
While at USD, Whittemore found an interest in mentoring others. As an undergraduate student, Whittemore served as a peer advisor and tutor.
Now as a graduate student, Whittemore serves as a graduate assistant in the Center for Career and Life Design helping students draft resumes and cover letters and find internships and full-time jobs. Additionally, she works behind-the-scenes at Charlie’s Career Closet.
“I love being able to work with the students all day,” said Whittemore. “I like having that one-on-one interaction and being able to mentor and talk to students.”
This mentality is modeled by the professors at the Beacom School of Business and is something that Whittemore will take with her as she graduates this spring.
“Everyone is so open and happy to help at Beacom,” said Whittemore. “You can talk to any professor. I always tell people that half of the professors that I know closely, I’ve never had them in class. As long as their door is open, you can go and talk to them. Not many schools are like that.”
Learn more about the Beacom School of Business and the opportunities available at USD.
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